People with an addictive personality are more prone to develop addictions than those who do not have an addictive personality. Many people are able to enjoy some of the vices in life such as gambling occasionally or drinking alcohol in a social setting. However, if a person has addictive personality traits, they may more easily develop an addiction to those same behaviors. When this happens, the addiction can quickly supersede other important facets of that person’s life. Addiction can lead to a variety of negative consequences. Therefore, it’s helpful to know if you have an addictive personality trait. Ethan Crossing Recovery is here to help.
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What Is an Addictive Personality?
Addictive personality is not a term that is used in any professional diagnosis. The actual human personality is very complex and it cannot be said that one certain personality is more prone to addiction than another personality type. However, when people use the term addictive personality, they are typically referring to addictive personality traits. These traits may appear with any kind of personality. The comment ground is that addictive personality traits can all lead to destructive addictive behaviors and the need for an addiction treatment program.
What Are Addictive Personality Traits?
When a person is assessed for possible addictive personality traits, there are several things that the professional looks for:
- A tendency to lie easily
- Mastery at manipulating others
- Display of impulsive behaviors
- Legal difficulties
- Shifting blame to others
- Chronic sensation seeking
It’s helpful to break down each of these addictive personality traits for clarification.
A Tendency to Lie Easily
Those who struggle with addiction are often chronic fabricators. They lie to themselves about their problem with addiction, and they lie to others about their addictive behaviors. Lying soon becomes such an ingrained habit that a lie is the first thought that crosses the mind when asked about anything.
Mastery at Manipulating Others
Addiction is a powerful force that compels people to manipulate others who are standing in the way of the addictive behavior. Those with addiction issues learn how to use manipulation to get what they want, no matter what it takes. The other person may not even realize they are being manipulated.
Display of Impulsive Behaviors
Those with addiction problems may act without thinking, endangering themselves and others. For instance, a person with a gambling addiction may impulsively decide to empty their bank account and go “all in” on a poker hand. They don’t consider future ramifications of their impulsive behavior. Programs like an individual therapy program or group therapy program can be helpful to overcome these behaviors.
Legal Difficulties
Those who struggle with addiction may find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Because they are willing to do whatever it takes to access drugs, alcohol, or gambling money, they see laws as an obstacle to their desire.
Shifting Blame
Professionals who treat those with addictive personality traits often cite a tendency to shift blame to others. An individual with addiction issues may not be able to emotionally bear the responsibility of their own problems, so they blame parents and loved ones for their issues.
Chronic Sensation Seeking
Another addictive personality trait is an incessant need to find the next thrill. Everyday life may feel so dull that the person has to go to extremes to feel heightened sensations. This often leads to engaging in risky behaviors such as racing trains while drunk, gambling away the family car, and other dangerous acts. A mental health treatment center can be helpful if you are engaging in risky behaviors due to addiction.
Seek Help at Ethan Crossing
If any of the above addictive personality traits sound familiar to you, contact Ethan Crossing for treatment for addiction in OH. If you or a loved one is exhibiting one or more of the above traits, chances are that there may be an addiction problem. Addictive personality traits can be a warning to stay away from addictive substances and behaviors like drugs, alcohol, and gambling. Contact the professionals at Ethan Crossing at 833.691.0736 to get help today.
